The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) originally began issuing permits for recreational use of public lands under the authority of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of 1976. The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004 (REA) provides BLM with its current authority to collect recreational fees and specifically allows the agency to collect Recreation Use Permit (RUP) fees for use of developed sites and areas. The Act allows collected RUP fees to be retained locally and outlines how revenues may be used for such things as facility and infrastructure repair and maintenance, habitat restoration, visitor services including orientation and interpretation, law enforcement related to public use and recreation, and direct operating or capital costs associated with the Recreation and Visitor Services Program.

BLM guidelines require that each recreation fee program have a business plan which thoroughly discusses fees and explains how fees are consistent with the criteria set forth in REA and other agency directives. Business plans assist management in determining appropriate fee rates, outline the cost of administering fee programs, and identify priorities for future fee program expenditures. Below are links to the approved business plans for the Moab Field Office.